Favorite coup/conv. under $35K?

[DaddyTimesTwo]

We sold our '92 Miata when our son was born. It if had been paid for, I think we’d have kept it. I really want another. And as I understand it, Mazda will be selling a supercharged version in the coming model year, which may or may not fit under your $35K requirement. I like the idea of a fast Miata, rather than the merely quick-footed model they’ve been selling.

And in a more realistic fantasy, the RX8 is supposed to have real, usable back seats. If I had $30k to spend on a car, that would vcertainly be on my shopping list. Actually, every car Mazda has would be on my list. Protoge5, 6, Miata, MPV, RX-8, they’re all fine cars.

[Frank_2]

You could also look at the SVT Cobra or the slightly less expensive Mach 1.

[Ender_Will]

I’ll second Sam Stone with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.

I’ve currently got a BMW 325is, regularly drive 150+ miles at a whack, no problem. So Ringo’s suggestion of a new one isn’t bad, although I’d go for a 330ci.

[Necros]

*Originally posted by Ringo *
**$35K will get you into a new BMW 325ci, or, if you willing to go for a two year old, you can get a much zippier BMW 540i. Then people will start being mean to you in traffic. **

Man, screw that. For $35K, you can get a three-to-four year old used M3. No reason to go buy a 325 or 540 if you’re looking for fun. Hey, there’s even an M3 convertible…

[Ringo]

Depends on what you want. Necros. My next ride will be a 2003 745iL (0-60 in 5.4 s) in about 18 months. I’ll make do with the 740 'til then.

Not necessarily balls-to-the-wall; more like a gentlemanly balls-to-the-wall.

[TaxGuy]

I’ve heard some bad things about Chryslers (and Sebrings in particular). I’m sure many are good, but you’re also at good risk of getting a lemon (this from an independent car dealer, motorpool manager and a Mopar warehouse lackey).

Yeah, the bad thing you heard was they they are (1) made in America and (2) they are not trucks.

Don’t start a land war in Asia, don’t mess with a Sicilian when death is on the line, and don’t waste your money on American cars.

[mrbuddylee]

I’d try to pick up a used BMW M3.
If new, the RX-8 or 350Z. Probably the Z.

Read some reviews on the crossfire, and none of them are very impressive.

[Necros]

*Originally posted by Ringo *
**Depends on what you want. Necros. My next ride will be a 2003 745iL (0-60 in 5.4 s) in about 18 months. I’ll make do with the 740 'til then.

Not necessarily balls-to-the-wall; more like a gentlemanly balls-to-the-wall. **

True, true. But it seems like he’s looking for a cozy sport car. I think the M3 would rock.

As for myself, I’ll probably go for a used Mazda RX-7, Toyota Supra TT or 300ZXTT. I gotta downsize my cars a little so I can put more money into racing.

And TaxGuy, please. I’ve never understood irrational hatred of Ameican cars. Many of them are pieces of crap, true, but not all of them.

Agree that reviews of the Crossfire have been lackluster. Nice car, but too pricey.

[TaxGuy]

I guess I just value reliability. If you value something else, then an American car could be an attractive option.

[Ringo]

I think it’s going to become increasingly difficult to tell waht is or isn’t an American, European or Japanese car.

And those are pretty loose categorization groups anyway. French car makers didn’t pull out of the U.S. because we found their quality control too demanding.

[meatpropeller]

another vote for the M3…
the e36 model stopped in '99 so that is the latest year you can get. the new e46 style came out in '01, but won’t be in your price range yet. plenty of headroom in both.

you can get a VERY well taken care of and low mileage 99M3 for well under 35k these days (prob mid-20’s?), owing to the price depreciation caused by the recent influx of sporty coupes (350z, g35, rx-8, s2000, wrx, etc) and the newer model bmw’s.

[Ringo]

Was the e46 the one with the mysterious engine failure problem?